Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1887-11-17
IS THIS THE REDDICK FARM.

| IS THIS THE REDDICK FARM.
her knitting, Rube nodding in his arm
chair and Mile reading aloud from a
favorite author.
Some one appeared at the gate.
who's this comm, Millie." asked
Mrs. Reddick, as the gate was heard
to swing and a tall man was seen COM
ing up the gravel walk.
As the person drew nearer, Mile
answered.: II don't know, mamma, a
stranger, perhaps"
A stranger it was, and nearing the
verandah he raised his hat to the
ladies and inquired:
us this the Reddick farm?"
Eyes, SIR" replied Mrs. Reddick,
giving her doing husband nudge in
the side.
"Bless mer' exclaimed the old man,
1--WE bin d1eamin', sure's yer born"
He saw the stranger and excused
himself, inviting the gentleman to a
seat.
The visitor might be described as
man of forty, dark hair and eyes, feat
ures we'll formed, wearing a heavy
mustache. He was well dressed and
appeared to be a gentleman in good
circumstances.
':Mr. Reddick," said he, Il have
travelled a long distance-from Aus
tralia-and am here at last You will
be surprised, no doubt, when you learn
who am"
Mile was all attention now.
Il don't reco'nize We, thet's sure"
said Mr.. Reddick.
There's somethin' about ye tibet
tells me ye air some long-lost friend.
eff I'm not Mistaken" said Mrs. Red
dick. glancing at Millie.
''For the present I'll say I am a
friend" the stranger said. with smile.
Il reckon I've placed you now,"
said Mr.. Reddick, extending his hand,
which was received with warm clasp.
':Mr. Reddick, I'm very thirsty, and
if you will favor me with a glass of
milk, shall be ever so much obliged"
said he.
Certainly, Mr.. Morewin-sir-Mil-
lie. go an fetch the gentleman some
milk" said Mrs. Reddick.
Mile started when she heard the
name. "Why. that's my name." she
thought, leaving to procure the re-
freshment.
When Mile was gone the old folks
again shook the gentleman's hand.
$50 ye're Miles uncle come to life
gin," said Mr.. Reddick.
"Yes," replied Mr.. Morewin, "but
I did not wish Mile to know it just
yet"
There. Mandy, ye've played smart
trick. amt YEP"
1 couldn't help it. Rube."
'.No harm done at all. Mr. Morewin
assured them. Il thought it would be
nice to surprise her. that's allah,
here she is now," said he. as Mile
came out with a pitcher of milk and
glass.
Thank you. Miss
'.Millie. sir-Millie Morewin."
':Ah, the same name as NINE" said
MIR. Morewin, with glance of admir-
alton at the handsome girl before him
"Yes. sir, and it seems to me 1 re-
member seeing you when 1 was a
child" said Mile with blush.
$50 you did," said Mr.. Morewin.
"Then you must be-
"Your uncle, Mile, and have
travelled all this distance to find you"
''Oh how happy ami" exclaimed
Mile. kissing her uncle and running
to Mrs. Reddick for good cry.
''Well! I'll be switched eff tibet amt
a curious way ter show yer happiness"
said Mr.. Reddick, shaking with laugh
tor.
Mr.. Morewin told his history, from
the time he had left home to seek his
fortune in far-off Australia; of the |
many hardships he had endured ere
fortune favored him. Once he had re-
ceived letter stating that his brother |
and sister-in-law had died and left one
child. He wrote. inquiring about the |
child's whereabouts. and was told that |
she had been sent to the poor-house.
Knowing that she was in good hands,
he toiled on to increase his fortune. for |
AZ